BINGE DRINK (DRINK PLENTY OF WATER)

That means lots of it. Start the day with water, end the day with water; drink lots of water all day long. This has numerous benefits. It will flush out nasty toxins more effectively and keep you superbly hydrated. It will keep your metabolism and digestion firing on all cylinders. It will, critically, fill you up and quench your thirst.

The benefits of water for your health and fitness are immeasurable. Want to know exactly why?

Good old, H2O is terrifically important, but a frightening amount of people who are lucky enough to have easy access to clean, free-flowing supplies do not drink it in sufficient quantities. Or we load it up with sugar and chemicals and say it is ‘improved’.

Don’t believe the hype. Water always was and always will be the best drink on earth. In case you need reminding, here are a few scientific reasons why:

1. - Keeping Body Fluids Balanced for Optimum Health – The human body is made up of around 60% water. It is a fundamental part of us and without enough of it, vital functions start to falter – from digestion to the maintenance of body temperature. As we are constantly losing water through perspiration, respiration and excretion, we must top up our water levels regularly. So, stay hydrated.

2. - Proven to Help Control Calorie Intake – Whilst water isn’t a magic potion (although it must surely be the closest thing to one), whenever you make the choice to drink it instead of a sugary, fatty or alcoholic beverage, you are making a choice that will help you with weight loss. Also, when you eat food or drink juices that contain lots of water they will fill you up much more.

3. - Supports Muscles for Exercise – Muscles tire without enough water. When exercising, it is vital to drink fluids regularly – around 17oz before and plenty during and after. A well-hydrated body is more efficient; it will burn energy better and repair muscles following exercise more effectively too.

4. - Supports Kidney Function – Kidneys need generous amounts of water to help them in their vital role of excretion – and too little can result in kidney stones. Our cell’s waste products include blood urea nitrogen, which the kidneys turn into urine to be passed out of the body. You can easily tell whether you are properly hydrated as your urine should be colorless and without odor. If not, drink more water.

5. - Supports Bowel Function – If you drink enough water you reduce the chances of experiencing constipation. A properly hydrated body, enables the gastrointestinal tract to work at its best, especially when plenty of fiber is consumed as well. A healthy end-to-end digestive system is vital for health and weight loss.

Simply drink plenty of water all day long. You may not be aware of it, but even the slightest dehydration can make you feel lethargic and weak. Without enough water, the body won’t be able to function at its optimal level. You’ll constantly feel tired even with a good night’s sleep.

So next time you’re feeling drained, drinking a tall glass of cool water might just do the trick. If you work in an office, always take plenty of trips to the water cooler – you will stretch your legs and refresh yourself too. If you’re at home, you should constantly have a glass on the go – aim to drink 6-8 large glasses each day.